Postlude on'Cwm Rhondda', Op. 130, No. 2 ("Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah")

Purcell James Mansfield (1889-1968), the transcriber of these works, was the son of the organist, Dr. Orlando Mansfield. He was an accomplished organist and pianist by an early age, and had a long and distinguished career as organist, composer, adjudicator and conductor. He held a number of important posts, including the position at Park Parish Church in Glasgow, which was considered to be one of the most desirable posts in Great Britain at the time.

"Postlude on 'Cwm Rhondda'" was published by W. Paxton & Co. Ltd. in 1958. It is dedicated: "For Wilfred Emery, Esq., B.Sc., B. Mus, FRCO, Master of the Music, Glasgow Cathedral."

This is truly a WILD ride! If it weren't so festive, you could probably call it "demonic," at least it seemed so when I played it! :-)

It begins with a "Maestoso" introduction in the key of A major, but soon modulates to D-flat, heralded by tuba fanfares and flying scales. A tremendous climax is achieved, and you expect to arrive in F major, and you do, but the arrival is managed cleverly. Quick passages, rapid scales, and many quickly moving extended chordal passages arrive at another huge climax. The "coda" is a brisk one, starting in F, but quickly working back to A major, with pedal passages reminiscent of Max Reger. Arpeggios, scales and trills all come together in one final surge, and the final measures quote the hymn again.

Keep in mind that there are MANY piston changes WHILE all this is happening!

Incidentally, the dedicatee of this work, Wilfrid James Emery (1904-1963) composed in a "similar" style as this piece by Mansfield. You can hear his "Hymn-Prelude on the tune 'Hanover'" here: http://www.contrebombarde.com/concerthall/music/27924

Tomorrow, I hope to do and upload Mansfield's "Prelude on 'Crimond'", Op. 130, No. 1.

My SINCERE THANKS to RSCMJOHN for his kind gift of sending me these long-unavailable scores. THANK YOU, John!

A photo of Mansfield, of Park Parish Church and of Glasgow Cathedral are attached below.